US welcomes tribes' support to Army

WASHINGTON - While reaffirming US commitment for security and economic support to Pakistan, a senior American diplomat has welcomed Pakistani tribesmen's support for the government's anti-terrorism efforts in tribal areas bordering Afghanistan.

"There are a lot of people in tribal areas who want live a decent life, they want education, health, roads infrastructure, majority of them are willing to stand up - despite the fact that several Maliks have been assassinated by the militants," Richard Boucher, assistant secretary of state for South Asia, told a special briefing for Pakistani journalists at the State Department on Thursday. "I admire and welcome that the tribesmen's support " I think the government of Pakistan is pursuing in the right course," he said reiterating Washington's commitment to socio-economic development of the people in tribal areas. Boucher also took issue with the prophets of doom, painting negative scenarios for Pakistan in the face of current challenges. He said that a lot of "very dangerous things" are happening in Pakistan and some "very dangerous people are holed up in FATA," but that does not mean Pakistan as a nation is in danger.

Boucher expressed confidence in the future of democracy in Pakistan and in the new government's willingness to fight extremism. He also stated that the United States is not opposed to Islamabad negotiating with militants who are ready and willing to lay down their arms. Those who do not want to take that road, should be fought and defeated, he added. The US has never been opposed to the process of negotiations as such, either in Pakistan or in Afghanistan, he emphasised. However, it was clear from what he said that peace should only be made with those who have turned their back on militancy and extremism.

He said there have been a lot of negotiations in FATA with tribal leaders. Those who sue for peace should be welcomed back into the fold, while those who don't "we've got to fight." The vast majority of people living in the tribal areas want to lead normal lives so it they can send their children to school, receive healthcare and obtain employment. There are many living there who are willing to stand up for what they believe in. The Pakistan government, he added, is pursuing the right course. The US has offered clear support for genuine reconciliation in both Afghanistan and Pakistan's tribal areas.

The United States, he said, is committed to the Friends of Pakistan initiative launched last month on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. The US is working with rich countries to come up with support for Pakistan's commitment to development, he said while underscoring the US commitment to well being of the Pakistani people.

"They face a deadly enemy and I see the Pakistani government and the society including the army cooperating in the fight against violent extremism, not only the politicians but the whole society" there is a broad consensus in Pakistan in taking on the militants," he remarked.

"A lot of Pakistanis are committed to democracy " there is a lot of hope," he stated while recognizing the government's efforts to steer Pakistan as a moderate, modern and democratic country. Citing the US leaders' meetings with President Asif Ali Zardari in New York last month, he said there is a clear resolve by Pakistan to overcome the menace of extremism. "We were struck by their determination to tackle extremism and economic challenges." "There is a strong determination on part the Pakistani government and the NWFP government to tackle the situation" with regard to militancy, he said in response to a question in the context of recent wave of bombings in the country. Asked about cross-border actions into Pakistani territory, Boucher declined to comment on any border military operations.

On the US support for Pakistan, he said it is providing $ 800 million ongoing assistance in the current year and also cited the US aid in overcoming food prices during Prime Minister Yousuf Raza Gilani's visit and last week's aid for people displaced as a result of situation in Bajaur tribal area.

He also said US would provide assistance for modernizing Pakistan's democratic and military institutions. On the Friends of Pakistan initiative, he said the "next meeting at Abud Dhabi- later this month or early next month" - will come up with a programme to match international support for Pakistan's commitment to development. "There will be money available because there will be a lot of donors there. But the goal is not to come with a number but a programme that matches Pakistani plans with foreign support."